The Nymph Lake Colorado hike is a popular short trail in the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), located near Estes Park, Colorado.
The lake is part of the Emerald Lake trail, which includes a total of three scenic lakes on the main trail – Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and Emerald Lake – as well as two additional lakes you can visit with side trails (Bear Lake and Lake Haiyaha).
Wildlife sightings are frequently observed on this trail, making it an ideal hike for gradually adjusting to the higher elevations in the Rocky Mountains.
This guide provides comprehensive information on the Nymph Lake Trail, including instructions on obtaining permits and parking, locating the trailhead in the Rocky Mountain National Park, and any other necessary details prior to your visit.
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Quick Facts*
The distance for the round trip is 1 mile (1.6 km).The elevation gain is 250 feet (75m).The starting elevation is 9,450 feet (2,880 m).The end elevation is 9,700 feet (2,955 m).The round trip duration is typically 40-60 minutes.Difficulty:Easy
The statistics provided are for the roundtrip hike to Nymph Lake, excluding Dream Lake, Emerald Lake, and the optional side trails for Bear Lake or Lake Haiyaha.
A guide to the Nymph Lake Trail.
The lake is a component of the Emerald Lake hike, which features three lakes along the main trail.
The hike to Nymph Lake is short and simple, making it suitable for people of all ages and ability levels.
If you continue beyond Nymph Lake to the other lakes (Dream Lake and Emerald Lake), the level of difficulty increases slightly, but not significantly.
The trail begins with a gentle uphill climb towards Nymph Lake. Initially, it will be a paved path, but it will soon transition into a mixture of dirt and rocks.
At the trailhead, there is a junction where you have the option to turn right and visit Bear Lake, or turn left for Nymph / Dream / Emerald Lake. You can choose to see Bear Lake later on the way out, as it is conveniently located near the trailhead.
After approximately 20-30 minutes of hiking, you will arrive at Nymph Lake, which contains numerous lily pads. There is a pleasant bench available for resting and pausing along the trail.
During the early morning, we observed a group of elk crossing the hiking path, which appears to be a regular occurrence at this lake.
In certain instances, it is also feasible to observe black bears, moose, deer, and various other types of animals. Pets are not permitted, and it is advisable to keep young children within view.
The hike is highly popular and often crowded, therefore it is advisable to begin early in the morning or late in the afternoon, as well as obtain access permits for Rocky Mountain National Park. I will provide further explanation on the process shortly.
Nymph Lake is smaller than Dream Lake and Emerald Lake. It is more of a pond than a lake. It can be seen as a preview of those larger lakes. If possible, continue on to the other lakes.
On the way to Nymph Lake, we spotted a few elk.
The Other Lakes
After admiring the scenery at Nymph Lake, hikers have the option to continue on to Dream Lake and Emerald Lake, or return to the trailhead.
Dream Lake can be reached in approximately 20-30 minutes of hiking from Nymph Lake, and from there it takes an additional 20-30 minutes to reach Emerald Lake. Additionally, there are optional side trails that lead to Lake Haiyaha or Bear Lake.
If you are able and willing, I recommend hiking to Emerald Lake, as it is considered the best lake in the area. Dream Lake is also worth mentioning.
For more information about visiting Emerald Lake and the other lakes, please refer to my comprehensive trail guide.
For more information, please read about the Emerald Lake Trail.
Emerald Lake is the last lake on the main trail and is considered the most impressive.
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Entrance Fee
To visit Rocky Mountain National Park, including the Nymph Lake trail, you will typically need both a national park pass and a timed entry permit for most months of the year.
The national park pass is readily available for purchase online or in person. Both annual and daily passes are offered, allowing visitors to explore multiple U.S. parks throughout the year. For detailed information on fees, it is recommended to visit the RMNP website.
A timed entry permit is required for the Nymph Lake Trail at RMNP in order to manage crowds. However, there are exceptions if you arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
For more information on the timed entry permit and how to obtain it, please visit the RMNP website.
Trailhead Conditions
The road from Estes Park to the Bear Lake trailhead is paved and in good condition, so reaching it does not require high clearance or anything special.
At the beginning of Bear Lake Road, there is a booth where rangers from the National Park Service check entry permits. At the trailhead, there are information signs, vault toilets, trash bins, a water bottle filling station, and a trail map.
The trailhead has a large parking lot with over 200 parking spaces. However, due to the current popularity of this hike, the parking fills up quickly. If the parking lot is full, you can utilize the Park & Ride shuttle bus service provided by NPS.
U.S. National Park Regulations
The Nymph Lake Colorado hike is within Rocky Mountain National Park, so the standard regulations for U.S. national parks would be in effect.
Please remember to keep the trail clean, be considerate of other hikers, and leave no trace. Thank you and have a pleasant journey.
Best Time To Visit
The Nymph Lake Colorado hike is enjoyable at any time of day, but it may be preferable to go in the early morning.
Finding parking for this hike can be challenging due to its popularity. However, going in the morning can help avoid crowds and heat. Additionally, the hike offers great photography opportunities with its reflective lakes.
The Nymph Lake hike remains accessible throughout the year; however, the optimal months for visiting are from May to October, as there are no snow or ice hazards along the trail during this time. Prior to embarking on your journey, it is advisable to consult the RMNP website for the most up-to-date information on trail conditions.
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